Perfection Can Be The Enemy of Good Enough.
Maybe, it’s the nature of being a lawyer. Dotting the “I”s and crossing the “T”s reveals your professional eye for detail – the need to make sure you have anticipated all possible outcomes and to prepare accordingly. But, for the time deadlines of court rules and calendars, preparation and document revisions might be endless, as the goal is to be prepared for all contingencies and to produce perfect documents.
The pursuit of perfection is probably one of the characteristics that makes you a good lawyer. However, it can also keep you from taking the steps necessary to create and implement a marketing and client engagement plan for your law practice.
Psychologists, business and productivity analysts and others describe it as paralysis by analysis.
Spending more time than is necessary gathering information and making plans. Reading one more book; watching one more marketing video; debating the merits of one social media platform over another – all can serve as a hindrance to your goal of creating the kind of practice you desire. In the end, nothing gets done.
A Bias For Action
I’ve always been impressed by the fact I can order something from Amazon late in the afternoon and have it delivered and sitting on my desk the next morning. Yet, Amazon is always trying to do more – it already offers same-day, and in some cases, one-hour delivery of orders in some cities; it’s conducting research into using drones to deliver orders. The ever-evolving service provided by Amazon is simply amazing.
The point is, Amazon is always trying to do something new to improve its service to customers – it’s not afraid of trying something new.
The evolution of service can probably be attributed to what is described as The Amazon Way by author John Rossman, who identifies 14 leadership principles exhibited by Amazon. All are relevant, but one in particular is helpful in showing an appropriate next step to advance your legal practice:
8. Have A Bias For Action
Speed matters in business. Many decisions and actions are reversible and do not need extensive study. So when you are in doubt, try something—and take advantage of the opportunities that being the first in the field can offer.
It’s Time To Try Something New
No more thinking about it. No more research. No more delays. No more doubt.
It’s time to take action.
Imagine how you will be perceived by prospective clients when you have the most informative website in your community. Not a website that just says who you are, but one that actually provides helpful information for visitors.
How about when past clients sing your praises and share their praise for others to see through the use of social media and independent websites.
These are probably new opportunities you haven’t thought about. They require effort and time, a commodity many lawyers rarely have but they also require a commitment to take action. Don’t allow the fear of the unknown or the possibility you might make a mistake stop you from taking action.
Take advantage of the opportunities that being the first in the field can offer.
So, how about you? Are you ready to be the first?
If So, It’s Easy to Get Started – Let Of Counsel | Legal Marketing Help You Avoid The Mistakes
